Tension Rises in Jhapa-5 Over Allegations of Election Code Violations

Damak: As the House of Representatives elections draw near, the electoral activities of political parties have intensified. Although the Election Commission has set a deadline for campaigning until the 18th while adhering to the code of conduct, a dispute has erupted in Jhapa Constituency No. 5 following allegations of code violations.

CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been active in meeting voters in the Jhapa-5 constituency since Monday morning. During this time, service seekers complained that regular services at Damak Hospital were affected after he arrived at the facility with party workers.

Damak Hospital had been crowded with patients since Monday morning. Hospital sources stated that the pressure of patients increased significantly due to two consecutive public holidays. From around 11:00 AM, youth wing activists affiliated with the UML gathered at the hospital gate with flags and banners, chanting slogans.

According to eyewitnesses, as soon as Oli entered the hospital premises at approximately 1:50 PM, services at the counter, wards, and even the emergency department were halted for some time citing "orders from above." Service seekers who had been standing in line for a long time to get medicine faced further difficulties after the pharmacy service was shut down.

Expressing anger on the condition of anonymity, one service seeker said, "We had been in line since morning. Suddenly, the service stopped. We have brought patients, but no one listened. Why use a sensitive place like a hospital for election campaigning?"

Another service seeker commented that it was inappropriate to enter the hospital with a large group and disrupt services. Ranjan Rai, who had been in line since 7:00 AM, said, "Even after waiting for hours, I couldn't see a doctor. Can a leader do whatever they want?"

According to the Election Code of Conduct 2082, political gatherings, campaigning, or crowding are prohibited in hospitals, schools, and other sensitive public places. Section 4(ga) clearly states that election-related programs cannot be held using the premises of government and public institutions, while Section 4(jha) prohibits activities that obstruct public services and movement.

Tulsi Nepal, the Election Officer of the Jhapa Election Office, clarified that promotional activities are not allowed in sensitive areas like hospitals and stated that necessary processes would be initiated if it is proven that services were affected. Meanwhile, the Damak Hospital administration claimed that services were not disrupted for a long time. 

The hospital's Information Officer, Dr. Anupam Ghimire, said the program was focused outside the hospital and only had a brief impact. According to him, although there was prior information about the former Prime Minister's arrival, the situation became uncomfortable due to a delay in the scheduled time.

Regarding the doctors and nurses going to welcome him, he clarified that it was their "rest time." However, according to eyewitnesses, service seekers were waiting for treatment during that time as well. Oli remained on the hospital premises until about 2:30 PM. During that period, a dispute even broke out between some service seekers and party workers. Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere became more tense as police were seen consoling a woman who was crying because she could not receive treatment.

Devendra Dahal, coordinator of the UML Jhapa-5 Election Mobilization Committee, claimed that Oli visited the hospital for inspection rather than election campaigning. According to him, since Oli had contributed to the upgrading of the hospital, the visit was solely to understand its current condition and there was no intention to disrupt services.

However, this is not the first time allegations of code of conduct violations have been made regarding Oli's visit. On Sunday, there was criticism for holding a political program at Himalaya Secondary School in Damak-2, despite the election code clearly prohibiting political activities in schools and educational institutions.

As the election fever heats up, incidents affecting public services have begun to raise questions among voters regarding the responsibility of political parties. Meanwhile, RSP candidate Balendra Shah (Balen) has also been accused of creating uncomfortable situations on the streets by gathering crowds. Complaints have started emerging from passengers experiencing difficulties due to problems with vehicle movement.